Fed gov responds to Horticulture Code of Conduct review

The Australian Federal Government has announced its response to the review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct.

Announced by South Australian Senator, Anne Ruston, she said the government carefully considered the recommendations from the review and choose those which will help address concerns are around the Code.

The government says its response includes provide better guidance to make it easier for traders and growers to comply with the Code, allow the ACCC to better identify and rapidly respond to breaches and removing unnecessary regulation.

“Our response demonstrates an appropriate balance between the need for transparency in the trading relationship and the need for the code to ensure that trade is not tied up in red tape,” Minister Ruston said.

The government said its response to the recommendations will:

Provide better guidance to make it easier for traders and growers to comply with the Code

Ensure that growers and traders have a fair, binding horticulture produce agreement in place to support a more productive and fair trading relationship

Allow the ACCC to better identify and rapidly respond to breaches to further support compliance with the Code

Remove unnecessary regulation where appropriate and allow growers and traders greater flexibility in the trading relationship